We need a mission

This nation was built and thrives on purpose. We have risen to meet severe internal challenges from the Civil War to Civil Rights. We fought and triumphed in two world wars. A generation grew strong and determined during the Great Depression.

Though we probably don’t recognize it ourselves, we are survivors too and have weathered a draconian economic crisis of our own. Yet we remain uncertain and almost adrift seeking a purpose bigger than ourselves.

Leaders usually provide that for us. However, in the age of politicians, we have far too few statesmen and not nearly enough focused on building a resolute vision. As a people, we need a mission to inspire and give us hope, as well as renewed confidence in ourselves and our legacy.

Recently, I heard a speaker talk of the 60’s. He said things were much more black and white then. I am not so sure. Hindsight is always 20-20.

I lived through the 60’s and I would say things were a jumble of emotions, actions, confusion, challenges and search for purpose. Not really black and white at all. One thing was clear. In that era, there was one common denominator we shared. We had a universal enemy during the Cold War in the Soviet Union, which was constantly overshadowing foreign policy and fueling heavy defense spending. From the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, nuclear Armageddon only seemed a button away. During grade school I remember Civil Defense drills and hiding under desks – not knowing that wouldn’t have helped much at all in a nuclear attack.

However, in 1989 the world changed. The Soviet Union was no more. The “evil empire” of the communist revolution was gone. And so was our common directed purpose. It was as if we had arrived. We did not catch a glimpse that we still and do live in a very unsafe world with too many enemies to count. But commonality was gone. It echoes of the Roman Empire. They thrived and stood strong against the Carthaginians. But when Carthage fell, there was no longer an identifiable enemy to be vigilant of. Turning inward, focus shifted to a “me” attitude.

I am not suggesting we are like the Romans. We have terrorists to deal with and two wars of our own. But we go about our business and every once in a while watch them on the news.

But there is a lesson in history we should heed. People need to share a common purpose: Share in a mission toward something bigger than themselves.

We have a lot to choose from besides just riding the globe of terrorists. A shared peace, heading off famines, eliminating poverty at home and abroad, rebuilding the image of a world power leading from a moral platform, fueling a renaissance in education.

In this day, we need a leader to grab the helm, set a course and restore the fires of a common mission. Our legacy is still one of purpose.